A BAMBOO-ROOT CARVING OF SHOULAO QING DYNASTY, 17TH – 18TH CENTURY

carved in the round as Shoulao depicted seated on jagged rockwork forming the base of the carving, holding a gnarled lingzhi stem in his left hand and a peach in his right, a recumbent stag resting by his side and looking up at him, the Daoist immortal portrayed with an endearingly benevolent smile, a characteristic tall bulging forehead and a long finely incised beard, the patina of a warm reddish-brown colour

There are typical age cracks as expected. There are several small insect holes, especially to the reverse. Other minor bruising.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Bamboo figures of Shoulao, carved seated on rockwork, are more commonly known without the deer, such as one signed Hou Xiaozeng, in the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, included in the Museum’s exhibition Literati Spirit. Art of Chinese Bamboo Carving, Shanghai, 2012, cat. no. 007; a slightly smaller one, signed Wu Zhifan, included in the Min Chiu Society 40th Anniversary exhibition In Pursuit of Antiquities, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 2001, cat. no. 224; and two sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, the first, 24th October 1993, lot 552, and the second, 31st May 2010, lot 1935. See also bamboo sculptures of the deity with children: one illustrated in Ip Yee and Laurence C.S. Tam, Chinese Bamboo Carving, part II, Hong Kong, 1978, pl. 90; another sold in our New York rooms, 26th February 1983, lot 364; and two sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, the first, 30th May 2012, lot 4283, and the second, of larger size, 27th May 2008, lot 1887.